PEDV is a production-related disease, which means it can cause production losses for the producer rather than illness that affects public health (likewise, it is not a reportable or regulatory disease). Production losses can be severe – the disease has an 80 to 100 percent morbidity and mortality rate among neonatal piglets. Mortality tends to decrease as age increases, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The first confirmed U.S. cases were reported in mid-May.

As the number of cases continues to grow, researchers are racing to find out more information about the virus and how to prevent it. In late July, the National Pork Board approved an additional $350,000 to go toward research and education efforts surrounding PEDV. The group previously had allotted $450,000 toward the project.

“Our No. 1 priority is to contain spread of the virus with the goal of increasing the potential to eliminate the disease,” said Dr. Paul Sundberg, vice president of science and technology at the National Pork Board, in a statement. “Through research we just completed, we already have determined that transportation of sows and market hogs can be a major risk factor in the spread of PEDV.”